SUNFLOWERS sends news of plans for another installment in their ANNO series of
strategy games. Here's the deal:

Heusenstamm. SUNFLOWERS has commissioned
Mainz-based studio Related Designs with the development of an ANNO game. The
ANNO empire-building games developed by Max Design are not affected by the new
deal.

The emphasis in the new PC game with the working title "ANNO War" will
focus more on combat than previous ANNO games and should become a strategy genre
AAA top seller for Christmas 2005. To this end the Related Designs team is being
increased from their previous 10 to at least 25 members, who can count on active
support from SUNFLOWERS.

SUNFLOWERS president Adi Boiko is pleased about the cooperation. "In
Related Designs we've found the perfect partner for the ambitious goals we've
set for ANNO War. Related Designs has already had a great deal of experience in
developing strategy games. Now, for the first time, they can enjoy a large
budget and SUNFLOWERS' active support as they develop a AAA title."

Related Designs' manager Thomas Pottkamper "We're extremely happy to have
found a partner in SUNFLOWERS, who have made it possible for us to truly fulfill
our potential for the fist time ever. We are certain that the close cooperation
with SUNFLOWERS will allow us to develop an international top
seller."

Where's the promised multiplayer for Anno 1503? That was promised as a free patch and I've been waiting since before Easter...

Anyway, why combat? If I want a combat RTS, I've loads of games to choose from. If I was a constructive one, I've got about two to choose from - Anno and Simcity. I've got both of those and I'd like more.